Port of San Diego Celebrates Receiving Two Awards for the Portside Community Academy
Contact: Josh Kellems, 619.642.1153, jkellems@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego has been honored with two awards for the Portside Community Academy from the San Diego Press Club and the Public Relations Society of America, reflecting excellence in community education. The Portside Community Academy is an educational program aimed at building deeper connections with portside communities where the public is given a unique opportunity to explore innovations in the maritime industry that are helping improve human health and quality of life on and around San Diego Bay. Representatives from the Port accepted the awards at ceremonies on Saturday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 22.
“We are honored that the Portside Community Academy has been recognized with these awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter and the San Diego Press Club,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team — from Port staff and subject matter experts to our community partners and Port businesses. I am especially proud of our graduates and current students for embracing this learning opportunity and engaging with our efforts to reduce emissions and electrify port operations. I encourage members of the public to sign up on the interest list for the Portside Community Academy to experience firsthand the transformative work happening at the Port.”
The Port, along with its consultant PRM Consulting, Inc., was awarded the following:
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Public Relations Society of America, San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter Edward L. Bernays Mark of Merit Silver Bernays Award (Community Relations: Government Category).
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San Diego Press Club 51st Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards - Second Place Award (PR, PIO and Trade Publications Category: Special Interest Publications) for brochures produced for the Portside Community Academy.
Following its launch in 2023, the Academy has graduated 55 participants from its structured educational program, and is currently hosting two fall cohorts, including the first Spanish-language cohort. Designed for adult community members, this five-session program was developed by subject-matter experts within the Port. The curriculum explores the Port's clean air and electrification projects, focusing on impacts to human health, quality of life, and technological advancements in the maritime industry. It includes a bus tour of the Port’s marine terminals and a narrated boat tour of San Diego Bay as well.
This educational program is designed with topics of special interest to residents of portside communities, which encompass parts of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights and National City, along with communities in Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, and San Diego. The Portside Community Academy is a pioneering cross-departmental effort, representing the Port's dedication to becoming a “Port of Firsts.” It aligns with the Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) and efforts to be an early adopter of zero-emissions technologies for ships, cranes, tugboats, and trucks, while also addressing the specific needs and concerns of environmental justice communities, including community education.
Participants receive a certificate of completion and the opportunity to be recognized at a Board of Port Commissioners meeting.
For more information and to sign up on the interest list for the Portside Community Academy, please visit portofsandiego.org/academy.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.